Tuscany

Trying to list everything Tuscany is famous for is like asking how much pizza, pasta or gelato you’re going to eat when you’re there, the answer is, a lot more than you probably thought.

In a lot of other regions around the world, culture is something you choose to participate in, something you go in search of, in Tuscany however, it’s something you live, breath and feel even as you’re simply strolling around one of its street corners.Tuscany is the true birthplace of Renaissance, where some of the greatest artists in human history, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michaelaneglo, to name a few, at some point or another, liked to call casa (or as we’d say, home). So whether it’s the exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Chianti countryside, staring in awe at the enchanting art and architecture of Florence, feasting on traditional Tuscan cuisine in Pisa, or roaming the lesser known marble quarries of Lucca. The only issue you’ll have is, deciding which part of this idyllic region to start in.

Highlights

When you go to Italy, your priority must be to visit Rome or Venice. There is no doubt that these cities have a lot to offer. However, you should also take a closer look at Tuscany, a place with rich artistic and cultural relevance. Tuscany has a lot to offer so you better include it on the list of must-visit places in Italy should you decide to go there.

Birthplace of Renaissance

Tuscany is referred to as the birthplace of the Renaissance as it is a place that several artists in history have considered home. Famous painters like Botticelli and sculptors like Michelangelo were from Tuscany. Even writer Dane Alighieri and the geniuses Galileo Galilei and Leonardo da Vinci were from Tuscany. Therefore, visiting this place is like seeing what has inspired them to craft some of the best pieces of art in history. The area is filled with museums, galleries and century-old churches too.

World Heritage Sites

You might have heard of the cities of Florence and Pisa. Both of them are found in Tuscany. These cities have amazing towers and other structures. You don’t even have to visit all the significant places. Just walk along the streets, and you will feel like you have been transported to the past. Add to that the historical sites like the Piazza dei Miracoli and Medici Villas which were considered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can only imagine the historical relevance of these places.

Breathtaking sceneries

Tuscany is also a picture-perfect place for Instagram addicts out there. The location offers a wide variety of landscapes that will keep you in awe each time. From the ski area of the region to the coastal regions of Etruscan Coast, everything will take your breath away. Nature lovers will surely love the place as it offers the best areas for hiking, biking, camping and many other activities.

Delicious foods

The cooking traditions in Tuscany have been around for centuries. You can find several types of bread that were made from different ingredients and had been formed in various ways over the years. Imagine the dishes prepared by your grandmother and take them several levels higher. This is what you will get when you eat the dishes made in Tuscany. Among their specialities is the Tagliatelle cooked with either wild boar or hare meat. You should also try the Bistecca alla Fiorentina and the rice pie for dessert. Speaking of dessert, try the best gelato in Pisa. You might have tried gelato before, but the country where this dessert started definitely tastes way better.

Go for wine tasting

There is no better place to try a glass of wine other than Tuscany. It offers lots of vineyards where you can go wine tasting. Due to the best climate in this area, they were able to produce some of the best wines in the world. Go there on September to see the fruits being harvested and turned into wine.

Hot springs and beyond

Have you imagined a place where you dip your body on a natural hot spring while lots of beautiful plants and flowers surround you? This is precisely what you can find in Tuscany. The elegant surroundings are utterly captivating. You will be amazed by these natural formations and think of just staying there for good.

When is the best time to go?

Are you excited now? If yes, the best months to travel are April until June and September to October. These months offer the best weather possible. Therefore, you can see the places you want to visit and enjoy all of them. Avoid going there in July and August. These months are, and you might end up staying in your hotel as temperatures reach the high 90s in some cases.

If you want to save money, visit Tuscany in August. Italy’s vacation time is in August, so a lot of people are going to places for a holiday. This is considered off-season in Italy, so everything is cheaper. The good thing is that you won’t have to worry about the crowd. The problem is that due to the low number of visitors, some places close early and there might be fewer activities. Some areas might not even open at all.

Nevertheless, Tuscany is a fantastic place to visit, and you should plan your trip now. You may also look at the rest of our site for more information about Tuscany and other exciting places to visit.